Google has entered into a statement of intent with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) to launch the ‘Build for Digital India’ program, aimed at providing a platform for engineering students to create technology-based solutions addressing key social issues. The program will invite engineering students nationwide to present their ideas and solutions in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, women’s safety, smart mobility, environment, accessibility, disability, and digital literacy.
Participants will have access to online and offline learning opportunities in key technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Cloud, and Android through Google’s Developer Student Club network and other Google Developer networks. Google will also provide mentorship sessions in product design, strategy, and technology to the most promising products and prototypes.
The initiative aims not only to inspire innovation among college students across India but also to generate technology solutions for significant social challenges in the country. IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed his optimism about the program’s potential impact. Karan Bhatia, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, highlighted the role of advanced technologies like ML and artificial intelligence in addressing India’s social challenges at scale. He emphasized the partnership with MeitY to equip young engineers with the skills and mentorship needed to transform innovative ideas into breakthrough solutions.